AMERICAN RAIL CAR INDUSTRIES -- SERVING THE COMMUNITY SERVE 1985

American Rail Car Industries has been an established Jackson industry since 1985 employing about 200 workers. Many people, however, have no idea exactly what it is the company does.

ARI is a components plant that makes about any part you might need for a rail car. More than 8,000 different products pass through the plant with around 3,500 of them being manufactured there. Whether you need a valve or valve parts for a tank car, parts for cars hauling grain or those providing piggyback service, ARI will have what you need according to Brian Blankenship, plant manager.

ARI's roots date to 1873 when the St. Charles Car Manufacturing Co. was founded. The late 1800s boom of the rail industry accounted for a merger by some 13 companies producing rail products. Today, manufacturing plants can be found in Texas, Arkansas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Missouri.

"The company wants to `give back' to the community," Blankenship says. ARI sponsored events such as the barbecue for the Jackson Fire and Police departments is an example of their effort.